Every year, Over 175 million teeth are filled in the U.S. to repair damage from cavities. A blend of bacteria, sugar, and immune factors create a complex process that affects the quality of life in every age group. Did you know that researchers are uncovering innovative methods that could make traditional fillings a practice of the past? Here’s a look at what’s ahead!

Bekah is one of our star hygienists and we couldn’t be happier to have her! She was truly meant to be in the dental field, and even she knew it from an early age. See what we mean in this month’s installment of our ‘Team Q&A Blog Series’.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a hygienist?

A: I think deep down I just always knew this was the career field I would end up in. Even as a kid growing up, I was always the odd one who looked forward to going to the dentist. I think that was a clear sign I was meant to end up doing what I’m doing.

Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?

A: I love working with patients to help them achieve the best oral health possible. The fact that I get to work with such a fabulous team is just an added bonus.

Q: What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?

A: Kauai, HI. It’s so beautiful and relaxing that it’s hard not to love.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or TV series you’re enjoying right now?

A: I’ve been really into watching The Americans lately.

Q: What are your favorite hobbies outside of the office?

A: I’m an avid hiker! The Pacific Northwest is such a great spot to explore all types of different hikes.

A: I actually went into the dental field after getting my wisdom teeth out. The team made my experience so amazing that I instantly knew I wanted to help others in the same way. I originally started out as a dental assistant and thought that would be my future career. However, I began helping patients with treatment plans and finances and fell in love with it! So, I guess you could say I naturally fell into the role of treatment plan coordinator.

Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?

A: Working as a team to give our patients the best customer care. We get to meet amazing people every day and build relationships with them. Not every career path allows you this opportunity. It’s the people I work with and our patients that truly make every day fun and interesting. There is never a dull moment around here!

Q: On to the personal stuff, what is a hidden talent or fun fact that people wouldn’t expect about you?

A: I really love to play Xbox. My favorite games are Need for Speed, Left4Dead, Halo and Call of Duty. My fiancé and I love having a good game night together!

Q: What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?

A: There seems to be a trend within our office, but I also have to say Hawaii. My family has a place there, so it feels like a second home. Nothing can replace relaxing on a beautiful island, experiencing a different lifestyle, and spending time with the friends I’ve made there.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or TV series you’re enjoying right now?

A: I don’t think I can pick one favorite book, but I’m always up for a good romance novel. I’m currently watching Hart of Dixie on Netflix, which I’m enjoying.

Q: What are your favorite hobbies outside of the office?

A: My fiancé and I recently started getting into snowmobiling, which has been a blast! Other than that, I simply love being around great people and enjoying a good adventure together.

Q: What’s the one thing you wish patients knew about you?

A: That I’m awesome! Just kidding…J I’d love for patients to know that I commute all the way from Cle Elum every day just so that I can work with amazing people. I guess it’s safe to say that I really love my job!

A: I always had an interest in dentistry and knew early on that it was my passion. So, when I saw there was a position open at Dr. Oleg and Dr. Nikole’s practice, I knew I had to jump on the opportunity!

Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?

A: I love that I’m constantly learning. Things are always busy and there is no such thing as a dull work day in my world.

Q: On to the personal stuff, what is a hidden talent or fun fact that people wouldn’t expect about you?

A: Those who know me well get to reap the benefits of my skills as a past barista. I can make any type of specialty coffee drink!

Q: What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?

A: Maui! My family and I travel here at least once a year. It’s so relaxing and beautiful.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or TV series you’re enjoying right now?

A: Orange is the New Black. How can you not love that show?

Q: What are your favorite hobbies outside of the office?

A: I enjoy a good day of shopping. But, on a more adventurous note, I also love playing volleyball and spending time out four-wheeling.

Q: What’s the one thing you wish patients knew about you?

A: Ironically, I actually used to be afraid of the dentist. But, I spent time asking questions during my bi-annual visits and learning more about what everyone does in a dental practice. Not only did this help me quickly realize that there really wasn’t a need to be afraid of the dentist, but I also found my passion for this career path.

We’re continuing on with our monthly installment of our ‘Team Q&A Blog Series’. For July, we'd like to introduce you to one of our favorite patient care coordinators, Taylor.

Q: What made you decide to start a career in the dental field?

A: I’ve always been fascinated by the human mouth – I find teeth so intriguing! There are so many aspects that go into caring for your teeth and dental treatment. Because of this, a career in this industry has so many opportunities to learn and grow!

Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?

A: Having a blast with my colleagues every day and interacting with our awesome patients.

Q: What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?

A: Hawaii, for the beach, sun and RELAXATION!

Q: Do you have a favorite book or TV series you’re enjoying right now?

A: The longstanding Grey’s Anatomy.

Q: What are your favorite hobbies outside of the office?

A: I love physical activities like running and hiking. But, I also can’t pass up a good day of shopping.

How is it June already? This year is definitely flying by! What better way to kick off summer than with a feature on Katie, one of our dental assistants.

Here is what she had to say during her interview as part of this month’s ‘Team Q&A Blog Series’. We hope you enjoy getting to know Katie a little better!

Katie, Dental Assistant

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a dental assistant?

A: When I was in high school, my chiropractor was actually the one who urged me to look into dental assisting as a career option. I knew it was the right fit for me before I even graduated from the program.

Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?

A: You don’t hear this answer a lot, by I love all of the technical stuff! Everything from making retainers in our lab to assisting with fillings and more.

Q: On to the personal stuff, what is a hidden talent or fun fact that people wouldn’t expect about you?

A: A fun fact about me is that I love baking treats or making homemade ice cream! If you’re a reeeeeally good patient, you might get to try some of my baked goods. J

Q: What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?

A: My husband and I love traveling to different skiing destinations. Last year we took a road trip around to various ski spots.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or TV series you’re enjoying right now?

A: I’m with my colleague, Lisa, on this one – I’m a big Game of Thrones fan.

Q: What are your favorite hobbies outside of the office?

A: Well, from my previous comment, you can probably guess that I love skiing. But, in the summer I enjoy gardening and biking.

Q: What’s the one thing you wish patients knew about you?

A: I have been working in dentistry for nearly 11 years. I think I’m in this field to stay!